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Official Description

Colpopexy, vaginal; intra-peritoneal approach (uterosacral, levator myorrhaphy)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 57283 refers to a colpopexy performed via an intra-peritoneal approach, specifically utilizing the uterosacral ligaments or the levator muscle for suspension of the vaginal apex. Colpopexy is a surgical technique aimed at correcting pelvic organ prolapse by anchoring the vaginal apex to surrounding structures, thereby restoring normal anatomical position and function. In this particular approach, the surgeon makes an incision in the vaginal mucosa at the apex, which is the uppermost part of the vagina. This incision allows for the dissection of the endopelvic fascia, exposing the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. The bowel is then retracted to provide a clear view of the surgical field. The surgeon identifies the ureters and the uterosacral ligaments on both sides, which are critical structures for the suspension process. By grasping these ligaments with clamps and applying traction, the surgeon can place sutures through them, effectively anchoring the vaginal apex. Alternatively, the levator ani muscle may be used for suspension. Once the sutures are secured, the vaginal apex is lifted to its intended position, and the vaginal incision is subsequently closed. This procedure is essential for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, as it helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 57283 is indicated for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, which may manifest as symptoms such as vaginal bulging, pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, or difficulty with bowel movements. The colpopexy procedure aims to restore the anatomical position of the vaginal apex, thereby alleviating these symptoms and improving overall pelvic floor function.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms such as vaginal bulging, pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, or difficulty with bowel movements.

2. Procedure

The colpopexy procedure using CPT® Code 57283 involves several detailed steps to ensure proper suspension of the vaginal apex. Initially, the surgeon makes an incision at the vaginal apex, which is the uppermost part of the vagina. Following this, the endopelvic fascia is carefully dissected away from the vaginal mucosa to expose the peritoneum. Once the peritoneum is visible, it is incised, and the bowel is retracted to provide a clear surgical field. The surgeon then identifies the ureters and the uterosacral ligaments bilaterally, which are essential for the suspension process. After identifying these structures, the uterosacral ligaments are grasped with clamps, and traction is applied to facilitate the placement of sutures. These sutures are then inserted through the uterosacral ligaments on both sides. Alternatively, the surgeon may choose to place sutures in the levator ani muscle for suspension. Once the sutures are secured to the vaginal apex, the vaginal apex is effectively suspended to restore its anatomical position. Finally, the incision made in the vagina is closed to complete the procedure.

  • Step 1: An incision is made at the vaginal apex to initiate the procedure.
  • Step 2: The endopelvic fascia is dissected away from the vaginal mucosa, exposing the peritoneum.
  • Step 3: The peritoneum is incised, and the bowel is retracted to provide a clear view of the surgical area.
  • Step 4: The ureters and uterosacral ligaments are identified bilaterally for the suspension process.
  • Step 5: The uterosacral ligaments are grasped with clamps, and traction is applied.
  • Step 6: Sutures are placed through the uterosacral ligaments bilaterally, or alternatively, in the levator ani muscle.
  • Step 7: The sutures are tied to the vaginal apex, effectively suspending it.
  • Step 8: The vaginal incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the colpopexy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, instructions for activity restrictions, and guidance on pelvic floor exercises. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical site and ensure proper recovery. Any signs of infection, unusual pain, or complications should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr COLPOPEXY INTRAPERITONEAL
Medium Descr COLPOPEXY VAGINAL INTRAPERITONEAL APPROACH
Long Descr Colpopexy, vaginal; intra-peritoneal approach (uterosacral, levator myorrhaphy)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2005-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2005.
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